IN RESPONSE to two articles in last week’s Echo and another dated January 2.

IN RESPONSE to two articles in last week’s Echo and another dated January 2.

In order to fully understand the remit of Street Wardens who form a part of the Street Management Team, there should be broader understanding of what the team does on a daily basis, rather than isolated information taken from a specific Freedom of Information question.

Street Wardens act as ‘the eyes and ears’ on the streets, carrying out patrols throughout the Borough to raise awareness, educate and where necessary issue Fixed Penalties Notices for Environmental Crimes.

They also work closely with Senior Enforcement Officers who investigate more serious Environmental Crimes such as large fly-tips who prepare prosecution files for presentation in court.

Enforcement is not the only tool used to change hearts and minds and a ‘Waste Education Officer’ runs education campaigns and initiatives with schools and partner agencies to further increase public awareness of these issues.

In 2007, the Borough Council entered into a partnership arrangement with the LCC to enforce on-street parking contraventions on their behalf. This new service which is funded by the County Council is called Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE). CPE authorises Local Authorities to issue parking fines for on-street parking contraventions i.e. parking on double yellow lines, parking longer than permitted in permitted waiting zones etc.

Street Wardens patrol the whole of the Borough where a ‘Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) is in place. The principal objective of Civil Parking Enforcement is to: Reduce congestion, the use of fuel and harmful Co2 emissions, keep roads free from obstruction, ensure easier access for emergency vehicles, ensuring turnover of parking spaces – therefore making more spaces available to the public, through regular high visibility patrols create safer streets for pedestrians, drivers and cyclists.

The Street Management Team also manages off Street Parking management at Loughborough Town Centre Car parks, carries out building maintenance and manages public conveniences throughout the Borough.

The issue of Fixed Penalty Notices and Parking Fines is not driven by financial gain, but they do act as a deterrent to reduce illegal parking and Environmental Crime.

The principal objective of reducing Environmental Crimes is to improve the locality for residents and visitors to the Borough, increase community pride, cut the costs of cleansing routines and engender a respect for the environment.